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OCT 18 1916 



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INDIANA 



THE earliest known inhabitants of Indiana, were for want of a 
better name, called the Mound Builders, so-called from their custom 
of building huge mounds, in which to bury their dead. Whence 
they came, who they were, or what became of them, no one knows. Fol- 
<roing the Mound Builders, perhaps long, long afterwards, came the 
Indians, concerning whose origin, likewise there is much uncertainty 
Following the Indians, came the French missionaries and settlers from 
Canada, a simple, kindly, pleasure-loving people, who lived by huntmg 
and trapping and gave little attention to the pursuit of agriculture Then 
cuKh^English speaking Colonists from Kentucky and Virginia who 
founded the southern tier of counties along the Ohio river, and began 
the first serious attempt to tame the wddemess 

The original Indiana Territory included the present States of 
Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and apart of Minnesota The 
first Capital of the Territory was located at \ incennes, but in 1813 it 
was removed to Corydon, because Corydon at that ^ time -as nearer ^ he 
center of population. However, the northern part of the Territory settled 
rapdly, and it was soon necessary to revise the system of government 
and the boundary division. When the Territory was «jated Iby an ad 
of Congress, May 7, 1800, its population was only 5,641, about 2, .00 
being in Indiana" proper. By 1809 the population had so grown th* 
Illinois and the northern country were made a separate Territory, and 
Indiana Territory was given almost the same paries as now enclose 
the State In 1815 the population had increased to 63,897 and the 
V rritorial Legislature penned Congress to have Indiana admitted Uo 
statehood This act was passed by Congress on April 19, 1816 and was 
s gned by James Madison" President of the United States. The business 
S new State was administered from Corydon, but soon the Repre- 
sentatives from the northern counties demanded a more central seat of 
Golern^ent, and in 1821 the site of what is now Indianapolis was .chosen 
for the State Capital by five commissioners appointed by the State Leg£- 
lature for that purpose. Congress donated four sections of land 2,560 
acres for the new Capital, but the removal from Corydon was not made 
unt 1824. The first meeting of the General Assembly was held in 
Indianapolis in June, 1825. The State's offices were located ,n the 
Marion County court house, until the new state house was ^^1835. 
It was on the site of the present state house and was consid «d * TO7 
fine building in its day. It was torn down in 1878. The pre sent State 
Capitol building was completed in 1888. Since Indiana b rt i as a 
State, its history has been one of continued progress ear 1> gained 

fame for its agricultural development; later its coal and oil fields added 
blTions to its wealth, and it now has taken a high pkee ,« amanufac- 
turing center. With all its natural and acquired riches, Indiana has not 
nedected the arts. Its poets, authors, artists and statesmen have attained 
na'onal Trenown, and have given to it a reputation second to none as a 
cultural center. 



WILLIAM H. HARRISON 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the first governor of Indiana 
Territory, was born in Berkeley, Virginia, February 9, 1773. 
He was the youngest son of Benjamin Harrison, prominent in 
revolutionary times. His education was obtained at Hampden-Sidney 
College, and he had made some progress in the study of medicine, when 
at the age of 19, his college career was cut short by a call to arms to 
fight the Indians. He fought under General St. Clair and General 
Wayne. He was promoted to Captain in 1795 and assigned to the com- 
mand of Fort Washington, Ohio, (now Cincinnati). In 1798, President 
Adams appointed him secretary of the Northwestern Territory under 
Governor St. Clair, and in 1799 he was sent as a delegate to Congress. 
When Indiana became a Territory, he became its Governor and Superin- 
tendent of Indian affairs. He continued to hold these offices under 
Presidents Jefferson and Madison. He was very successful in dealing 
with the Indians and effected man} - important treaties. As a soldier he 
was no less successful. It was during the autumn of 1811 that occurred 
the battle of Tippecanoe, where a force of regulars and volunteers, led 
by General Harrison, decisively defeated a large body of Indians. This 
battle foiled the plans of Tecumseh and the Prophet, his brother, for a 
general uprising and massacre of the whites. General Harrison's mili- 
tary career ended in 1814, when he resigned his commission rather than 
accept an assignment to a post which he disliked. At the close of the 
war with Great Britain in 1814, he returned to his farm at North Bend, 
Ohio, near Cincinnati. In 1816 he was elected to Congress from the 
State of Ohio, and served in this position for three years. Later he 
served two years as a Senator in the Ohio Legislature, and in 1824 was 
sent to the United States Senate, but resigned in 1828, when President 
Adams made him United States Minister to Colombia. In 1835 he 
was nominated to the Presidency of the United States, but was defeated. 
In 1839 the National Whig Convention at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 
nominated him for President, and then began the Log Cabin and Hard 
Cider campaign. His political opponents belittled his talents and tried 
to make the people believe he was ignorant and unfit for the high office 
of President. They said he was a backwoodsman, lived in a log cabin 
and treated his guests to hard cider. His supporters quickly took their 
cue, and boldly adopted a log cabin as their emblem. When the election 
was held he had 234 electoral votes against 60 for Van Buren. However, 
his occupancy of the office was very brief, for he died suddenly one 
month later. He was buried at North Bend, Ohio. 



(8) 




Territorial Governor IBQQ-IBII 



JOHN GIBSON 



JOHN GIBSON was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, May 23, 
1740. He received a good education and when eighteen years old 
took part in a British expedition against the French at Fort 
DuQuesne (now Pittsburgh). The expedition was successful, resulting 
in the capture of the fort. When peace was declared, Gibson settled 
there and began business as an Indian trader. At one time he, with 
other white men, was captured by the savages and condemned to be 
burned at the stake, but his life was saved by an aged squaw who had 
lost a son in battle. She took a fancy to the young trader and adopted 
him into her family. He lived among the Indians for several years, 
learned their language and became familiar with their manners and 
customs. However, the life proved distasteful to him, and when a suit- 
able opportunity presented he made his escape and resumed his former 
occupation of trading. Upon the breaking out of the American Revolu- 
tion he was appointed Colonel and raised a regiment. Later he was 
promoted to General and placed in command of the troops on the Western 
Frontier. When the war ended he again returned to Pittsburgh and 
continued to follow his old occupation of trading with the Indians. In 
1778, General Gibson was elected a member of the convention that made 
the first constitution of Pennsylvania. Subsequently he was for several 
years Judge of the Common Pleas of Allegheny County, at the same 
time serving as General of the State Militia. When Congress passed 
an act dividing the Northwestern Territory and creating Indiana terri- 
tory, President Jefferson appointed General Gibson its Secretary. He 
at once started for its capital, Vincennes. His thorough knowledge of 
Indian affairs enabled him to fulfill the duties of his office in an 
admirable manner. Upon the retirement of Governor Harrison from 
office, General Gibson became Acting Governor, and served until 1813. 
General Gibson continued for a while to live at Vincennes. Later he 
removed to Pennsylvania, and died near Pittsburgh, April 10, 1822, 
at the age of 82 years. General Gibson was a shrewd and capable man, 
and he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of those who knew him. 



(12) 



There is not in existence any known 
likeness of Governor John Gibson. 



Aoay GxBSDPf 

Territorial Governor IBIIIBI3 



THOMAS POSEY 



THOMAS POSEY was Indiana's third and last territorial Gov- 
ernor. He was a native of Virginia, and was born July 9, 1750, 
on a farm on the banks of the Potomac river. With only a 
common school education, he carved out a career for himself of which 
many a man might be proud. Life on his father's farm well fitted him 
for the hard knocks he was to encounter in later life. Prompted by a 
spirit of adventure and a desire to see more of the world, when nineteen 
years old, young Posey left home and went to the Western part of the 
State, then the frontier of civilization. It was in the year 1774, the 
year of Dunmore's expedition against the Indians, and young Posey 
eagerly accepted the opportunity to join it. He fought in one of the 
bloodiest battles ever fought between Indians and white men. Seventy- 
five Virginians were killed outright and one hundred and forty wounded, 
while the Indians' loss was far greater. Like General Gibson, Posey 
was a revolutionary soldier, and raised a company of men to fight for 
American Independence. He successively became Captain, Major and 
General, and fought in many of the hardest battles of the war, including 
Saratoga, Monmouth, Stony Point and Yorktown. He was with General 
Wayne in a battle near Savannah, Georgia, and in a fierce fight with 
the Indians, Posey killed several with his own hands. He was with 
General Green in South Carolina when peace was declared. In 1785 
Posey was appointed Colonel of the militia of his county, and the next 
year was made County Lieutenant, an office of much honor and dignity. 
During the war between the United States and England, he was made 
Major-General to organize Kentucky troops. During the war of 1812, 
he served with distinction in Louisiana. Later he was sent by Louisiana 
as Senator to the United States Senate. On March 3, 1813, President 
Madison appointed him Governor of Indiana Territory, to succeed 
Acting Governor Gibson. He entered upon his duties as Governor at 
the age of sixty-three years. Soon afterward the Territorial Capital 
was removed to Corydon. Governor Posey's health became impaired, 
and finding that the climate did not agree with him, he removed to 
Jeffersonville. During his official term, the Constitutional Convention 
which made Indiana a State, was held at Corydon, and by reason of 
this change in the government, the office of Territorial Governor was 
abolished. Governor Posey was nominated for Governor of the new 
State of Indiana but was defeated by Jonathan Jennings. Shortly after- 
ward he was appointed Indian agent for Illinois Territory, and died at 
Shawneetown, Illinois, March 19, 1818. 



(16) 




Tho.m.vs Posjnr 

Territorial Governor IBI3 -IBIB 



JONATHAN JENNINGS 



JONATHAN JENNINGS, the first Governor of the State of Indiana, 
was born in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, in 1784. His father 
was a Presbyterian minister, and soon after Jonathan's birth removed 
to Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He received a common school educa- 
tion and later attended a grammar school at Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, 
where he gained some proficiency in mathematics and the classics. After 
completing his education, while still a young man, he removed to Jeffer- 
sonville, Indiana, where he applied himself assiduously to the study of 
law, afterward serving as clerk to the Territorial Legislature. He was 
strongly opposed to the institution of slavery, which was then attracting 
much attention in Indiana Territory, and in the race for Territorial 
Delegate to Congress in 1809, he defeated Thomas Randolph, who 
favored it. Governor Jennings took a prominent part in the proceedings 
of Congress, and was active in having Indiana admitted to statehood. 
He was but thirty-two years old when he became its first Governor, 
defeating Thomas Posey. The latter's advocacy of slavery tended largely 
to his defeat. Governor Jennings showed high ability in putting into 
motion the machinery of the new State. His office was a trying one, but 
he proved himself equal to the task, and it is doubtful whether an abler 
man could have been selected for the office. Governor Jennings was 
re-elected to the executive chair in 1819, defeating Christopher Harrison. 
The following year he was appointed a Commissioner to select a per- 
manent location for the State's Capital. In 1822 he was elected a Repre- 
sentative to United States Congress, and resigned his office of Governor 
to accept this position. The remaining three months of the Governor's 
term were completed by Ratliff Boone, Lieutenant-Governor. Governor 
Jennings continued to represent his district in Congress for a period of 
eight years, being defeated for re-election in 1830 by General John Carr. 
On leaving Congress, Governor Jennings removed to his farm near 
Charlestown, Indiana. In 1832, President Jackson appointed him Com- 
missioner to negotiate a treaty with the Indians for the Indian lands in 
Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. His reputation for truth 
among the Indians was such that he had much influence with them, and 
rendered his country invaluable service. Governor Jennings died at 
his home at Charlestown on July 26, 1834. 



(20) 




Governor of Indiana IBI6IB22 



RATLIFF BOONE 



RATLIFF BOONE, the second Governor of Indiana, was Lieu- 
tenant-Governor under Governor Jennings. He succeeded Gov- 
ernor Jennings when Jennings resigned the office after being 
elected to a seat in Congress. Writers disagree as to Boone's birth place, 
some claiming that North Carolina is the State of his birth, while others 
claim that he was born in Georgia. However, all agree that he was 
born in 1781. He was a gunsmith by trade, came to Indiana in 1809, 
and was shortly afterward elected the first treasurer of Warrick County, 
which office he held for several years. -He was elected a member of the 
first House of Representatives after Indiana became a State, and in 1818 
he was elected from Warrick County to the State Senate. Three years 
later he was elected Lieutenant-Governor on the ticket with Governor 
Jennings. In 1822 Governor Boone was re-elected Lieutenant-Governor 
on the ticket with William Hendricks, but resigned the office to become 
a candidate for Representative to Congress. He was elected to this posi- 
tion, and served continuously until 1839. After leaving Congress he 
removed to Missouri, where he died on November 20, 1844, at the age 
of sixty-three years. Governor Boone was a type of man common in 
those early days. He came from the same Kentucky Boone ancestry as 
Daniel Boone, and shared with his illustrious kinsman the reputation 
for self reliance and fearlessness. 



(24) 




Governor df Indiana IBS2 



WILLIAM HENDRICKS 



WILLIAM HENDRICKS, the third Governor of Indiana, was 
born in 1783, at Ligonier, Pennsylvania. He was an uncle 
of Thomas A. Hendricks, who later became Governor of 
Indiana and Vice-President of the United States. William Hendricks 
received only a common school education, but being studious and ambi- 
tious, he read widely and stored his mind with much valuable informa- 
tion which he later put to excellent use. He came to Madison, Indiana, 
in 1814, bringing with him a printing press, with which he established 
"The Eagle," the second newspaper published in Indiana. As an editor 
he was painstaking and enterprising, and soon gained a wide acquaint- 
ance. In his spare moments he studied law, and was admitted to the 
bar. He made the first revision of the laws of the State, and printed 
it on his own press. Declining to receive pay for this task, he was voted 
a resolution of thanks by the Legislature. During the year 1814, he 
was elected a member of the Territorial Legislature, and was chosen 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. When the Constitutional Con- 
vention was held in 1816, he was made its Secretary, and when Indiana 
became a State, he was elected a Representative to the United States Con- 
gress, and was twice re-elected to this honorable position. In 1822, 
when thirty-nine years of age, he was unanimously elected Governor 
of Indiana. His popularity was such that, before his term of office 
had expired, he was elected a United States Senator, and in 1831 was 
re-elected to this high office. For more than twenty years, he served 
the State in three of the highest offices its people could bestow. He 
retired to private life in 1837, and never afterward held public office. 
Governor Hendricks had always carefully husbanded his resources and 
by judicious investments in real estate and its rapid increase in value, 
he became quite wealthy. Himself having had only a meagre opportunity 
to gain an education, he was the more able to appreciate its advantages, 
and was always ready with purse and counsel to promote the cause of 
education, as well as other public enterprises. Governor Hendricks was 
of large stature and muscular build. He had auburn hair, blue eyes 
and a florid complexion. His manners were easy and dignified and his 
address that of a well bred gentleman. It is to be regretted that there 
is no likeness of him extant. He died very suddenly May 16, 1850, at 
his farm near Madison, Indiana. 



(28) 



There is not in existence any known 
likeness of Governor William Hendricks. 



^'ll.UA.M I 'I,' i CTI 

Governor of Indiana IQZ2 - IH2S 



JAMES B. RAT 



JAMES BROWN RAY, the fourth Governor of Indiana, was born 
in Jefferson County, Kentucky, February 19, 1794. When quite 
young, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and studied law in the office 
of General Gano. He soon afterward removed to Brookville, Indiana, 
and commenced the practice of law. Brookville, even at that early date, 
was quite an important town, and was the home of many able and ambi- 
tious men. The young Kentuckian took an active interest in public 
affairs and in December 1822, was sent by Franklin County to the State 
Senate. In 1824, when Ratliff Boone, then Lieutenant-Governor of the 
State, resigned his office, Ray was elected president pro tern, of the Senate. 
He presided over the proceedings of the Senate with such ability and 
fairness that it bestowed upon him a resolution of thanks. While but 
a young man he had become one of the most popular and influential 
politicians of the State. In 1825, he was elected Governor of Indiana, 
his opponent being Isaac Blackford. Upon the completion of his term, 
he was re-elected, and held the office of Governor until the inauguration 
of Noah Noble in 1831. During Governor Ray's incumbency of the 
Governor's chair, he was appointed a Federal Commissioner to negotiate 
a treaty with the Miami and Pottawattomie Indians, his assistants in 
the commission being Generals Carr and Tipton. Their work was very 
successful, but Governor Ray's acceptance of this office, while retaining 
that of Governor, excited the jealousy of politicians and embroiled him 
in a controversy which caused much bitterness of feeling on both sides. 
This feeling was accentuated when, in 1830, the term of the Supreme 
Judges having expired, he reappointed Judge Blackford and refused 
to appoint Judges Scott and Holman. It was charged at the time, and 
very generally believed, that his refusal to re-appoint Judges Scott and 
Holman was because they had declined to aid him in his Senatorial 
aspirations. It is difficult to ascertain his motives, but this action of 
Governor Ray caused him the loss of many friends. Up to that time 
he was the most popular man in the State, but his popularity rapidly 
waned. He was a man of marked eccentricities, and the loss of his 
prestige preyed upon his mind and embittered the closing years of his 
life. He died in 1848 at the age of fifty-four years, and was buried in 
Spring Grove cemetery, near Cincinnati. 



(32) 




mk.s I!, Rat 

Governor of Inoiana IB25-IB3I 



NOAH NOBLE 



NOAH NOBLE, the fifth Governor of Indiana, was born in Clark 
County, Virginia, January 15, 1794, but left there when quite 
young and went to Kentucky, where he remained until he had 
reached manhood. He then removed to Brookville, Indiana, where his 
brother James had previously settled and held public office. Noah Noble 
took an active part in politics, and in 1820 became Sheriff of Franklin 
County, to which office he was re-elected in 1822. In August, 1824, he 
was chosen a Representative to the State Legislature. At that time he 
was probably the most popular man in Franklin County, so popular 
indeed that his name was prominently mentioned as a candidate for 
the Governor's office. However, this honor was not attained by him 
until several years afterward. In the meantime, in 1826, Lazarus Noble, 
a young brother of Noah, was appointed by President Adams to the 
office of Receiver of Public Moneys for the Brookville Land District. 
Shortly afterward, this office was removed to Indianapolis, and while on 
his way to that place, Lazarus Noble died. Noah Noble was appointed 
to fill the vacancy, and the new Receiver at once came to Indianapolis. 
While filling this office, Noble had many opportunities to meet persons 
of prominence, and he also made many friends generally. He had that 
rare faculty of winning friends and holding them. In most cases the 
same qualities that win supporters often excite the envy of others who 
are not so fortunate, with the result that they have a host of warm sup- 
porters and likewise a crowd of enemies and detractors. The office of 
Receiver of Public Moneys gave Noah Noble many opportunities for 
making friends. He often assisted the emigrant with the means whereby 
he could enter his land, and in many other ways accommodated and 
befriended him. These emigrants were of a hardy and earnest class, 
and rarely forgot a kind act. In 1831 Noble was a candidate for Gov- 
ernor, and although he was a Whig and the Democrats normally had a 
large majority in the State, he was elected over James G. Reed, Democrat, 
by 2,791 majority. This was the more remarkable, for Milton Stapp, 
also a Whig, was a candidate and polled 4,422 votes. In 1834, Governor 
Noble was re-elected to the office, his opponent again being James G. 
Reed. Governor Noble received 27,676 votes and Reed 19,994 votes. 
Upon the expiration of his term, he was elected a member of the Board 
of Internal Improvements, and in 1841, was chosen Fund Commissioner, 
an important and responsible position. Shortly afterward he was offered 
the office of General Land Commissioner, but declined it, saying that 
the State needed his services and his first duty was to the State. He 
died February 8, 1844, and it is doubtful whether the loss of any Indiana 
Governor before or since, was so generally mourned. 



(36) 




v i)AII >'()!'- UR 

Governor of Indiana IB3IIB37 



DAVID WALLACE 



DAVID WALLACE, the sixth Governor of Indiana, was born in 
Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, April 4, 1799. While quite young, 
his family removed to Ohio, and had for a close neighbor General 
William H. Harrison, between whom and the Wallace family sprang up 
a warm friendship. General Harrison was then in Congress, and thru 
his influence David Wallace secured a cadetship at West Point. Wallace 
graduated at West Point in 1821, and for a short time was Professor of 
Mathematics in that institution. He was then commissioned a Lieutenant 
of Artillery, but after serving one year in the army, he resigned. Like 
Governor Ray and Governor Noble, David Wallace settled in Brookville, 
Indiana, which was at that time the most important town in the State. 
Here he began the practice of law and took an active interest in politics, 
being elected to the Legislature in 1828, 1829 and 1830. He was elected 
Lieutenant-Governor in 1831, and re-elected to the office in 1834. As a 
presiding officer, few were his equal, and none excelled him. His manner 
was dignified and quickly commanded respect. His voice was soft, yet 
possessed rare carrying qualities, and was modulated to the finest and 
nicest precision. His decisions were always rendered with justness and 
impartiality, and no stain of corruption or dishonesty ever attached to 
his name. In 1837 he was elected Governor, defeating for the office 
John Dumont, of Vevay. Governor Wallace was elected to the office 
largely through his warm advocacy of the system of Internal Improve- 
ment, which was then a very prominent issue thruout the State. Unfor- 
tunately, the system was extravagantly planned and poorly executed, 
with the result that it broke down and caused financial disaster to all 
concerned. There were those who laid much of the blame on Governor 
Wallace, and when he came up for re-election in 1840, he was defeated 
by Samuel Bigger, who had not been identified with the Internal Improve- 
ment system. Governor Wallace resumed the practice of law, but in 
1841 was elected to Congress. In 1843 he was defeated for re-election. 
He then for several years retired from public life, with the exception 
of a few minor offices, in which he showed little interest. In 1856, Gov- 
ernor Wallace was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, where 
he made the best record of his life. He died suddenly in Indianapolis, 
September 4, 1859. 



(40) 




iXV'lh U '.\(,(,ACK 

Governor df Indiana IB37IEMD 



SAMUEL BIGGER 



SAMUEL BIGGER, the seventh Governor of Indiana, was born in 
Warren County, Ohio, March 20, 1802. He was born on a farm, 
but being of a delicate constitution, he was unfitted for the hard- 
ships of farm life, and showing a strong liking for books, his father 
resolved to qualify him for a profession. After completing a common 
school education, he graduated with honor from the college at Athens. 
Later he studied law, and in 1829, he removed to Liberty, Indiana, 
where he began law practice. Shortly afterward he removed to Rush- 
ville. Here he entered actively into politics, and in 1834 was elected 
to the Legislature, and was re-elected in 1835. The following year he 
was chosen Judge of the Judicial Circuit, which place he filled until 
1840, when he was elected Governor of Indiana, after an exciting race, 
in which he defeated Tilghman A. Howard. During Governor Bigger's 
incumbency of the Governor's chair, the State was almost in a condition 
of bankruptcy, caused by its ill-judged and untimely exploitation of 
Public Improvements. He did not possess the qualities of mind to devise, 
nor the power or ability to inspire others to invent, the means whereby the 
State could be freed from its financial embarrassment. His was a difficult 
position, and many men, even with greater talents might not have been 
more successful in overcoming the perplexing problems then at issue. 
He was a candidate for re-election in 1843, but was defeated by James 
Whitcomb. He soon afterward removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where 
he built up an honorable and lucrative law practice, and here he continued 
to reside until he died in 1845. 



(44) 




Governor of Indiana 1840-1843 



JAMES WHITCOMB 



JAMES WHITCOMB, the eighth Governor of Indiana, was born 
near Windsor, Vermont, December 1, 1795. In studying his early 
life, we are reminded of the early history of Benjamin Franklin. 
He had the same thirst for knowledge and was possessed of the same 
sturdy spirit of independence and desire to get along in the world. Being 
poor, it was necessary for him to cultivate habits of the utmost economy, 
which habits stuck with him thru life. While he was charged with being 
unduly parsimonious, it was to his credit that his habits of economy 
were practiced, solely that he might have the means whereby he could 
do good in the world, for he gave liberally of his time and his money 
to church and public charities. His early youth was spent on a farm 
near Cincinnati, Ohio. His father was often worried over James's love 
of books and was afraid it boded no good to the young man's future. 
However, the boy continued to borrow and read books, and by this means 
supplemented his short periods of attendance at school. Largely by his 
own efforts he fitted himself for college, and entered Transylvania Uni- 
versity. By teaching during vacation, he maintained himself until he 
graduated. He then studied law, and in 1822 was admitted to the Ken- 
tucky bar. Two years later he came to Indiana and settled at Bloom- 
ington, where he gained fame as a lawyer and was appointed Circuit 
Prosecuting Attorney. In 1830, he was elected to the State Senate, and 
was re-elected in 1833. An example of his foresight, even at this early 
period, is shown by his bitter opposition to the scheme of Internal 
Improvement that was then being feverishly exploited. Whitcomb 
actively, but unsuccessfully, debated against it on the floor of the Senate. 
In 1836 Whitcomb was appointed Commissioner of the General Land 
Office. His thoroughness and alertness of mind are aptly illustrated by 
the facility with which he mastered the French and Spanish languages, 
to better enable him to handle the old official documents which he encount- 
ered while occupying this office. In 1841, Whitcomb returned to Indiana 
and located at Terre Haute. He quickly established a lucrative law 
practice, and very soon was regarded one of the most popular members 
of his party. He was nominated for Governor in 1843, and was elected 
to the office. Three years afterward he was re-elected to the office by 
a majority double that of his first election. When Governor Whitcomb 
took the executive chair, the State was loaded down with debt, with 
several years' interest unpaid and its finances generally in a deplorable 
condition. His early habits of economy now came into excellent service. 
His mind readily grasped the difficulties of his position. It was thru 
his efforts that money was raised by the sale of the Wabash and Erie 
canal and the State's credit so far restored that it was able to issue bonds 
at a low rate of interest. His success in developing a public school system 
and in establishing benevolent institutions, added lustre to his fame. In 
1849, Governor Whitcomb was elected to the United States Senate, but 
his term was cut short by a physical breakdown, and after a prolonged 
period of illness, he died October 4, 1852. 



(48) 




, I.VM Kfl Will -M I- 

Governor of Indiana I043-IB40 



PARIS C. DUNNING 



PARIS C. DUNNING, the ninth Governor of Indiana, was born 
near Greensboro, North Carolina, March 16, 1806. He was 
given a very good education at an Academy in Greensboro. His 
family removed to Bloomington, Indiana, in 1823, and Dunning began 
to study law in the office of Governor Whitcomb. He readily profited 
from the tutelage of so apt a teacher, and became Governor Whitcomb's 
admirer and stanch supporter thruout his career. Dunning early became 
active in local politics, and was elected to the House of Representatives 
of the State Legislature. After serving three terms, he was elected to 
the State Senate. As both a Representative and a Senator, he took an 
active part in all the important legislation. His enlarged circle of 
acquaintance brought to him larger political aspirations, and in 1846, 
he was elected Lieutenant-Governor. When Governor Whitcomb resigned 
the office in 1848 to become United States Senator, Dunning became 
acting Governor, and served the balance of the term. He then resumed 
the practice of law, but in 1861, he was again elected a State Senator 
and in 1863, was chosen President of the Senate. This was during the 
civil war. Governor Dunning then retired to private life, and did not 
again take part in politics, tho until His death, he always preserved a 
lively interest in public affairs. 



(52) 




PATS33 C.l)r>'. v l_ 

Governor of Indiana IB4H ■ IH49 



JOSEPH A. WRIGHT 



JOSEPH ALBERT WRIGHT, the tenth Governor of Indiana, was 
born at Washington, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1810. At a very early 
age, he with his parents, emigrated to Bloomington, Indiana. The 
elder Wright was very poor, and had no means of helping Joseph to 
obtain an education. However, the boy was ambitious, and he resolved 
to forge ahead in the world. He worked at odd jobs, and at rare intervals 
attended school. He improved his spare moments by delving into books 
and asking questions of his elders. By hard work and by taking the 
utmost advantage of all his spare time, he was able to qualify for entrance 
to the State University. Here he maintained himself by performing all 
sorts of chores and at odd moments did hard labor in a nearby brickyard. 
An education thus gained is seldom wasted. In his two years' of attend- 
ance in college, Wright probably secured as much knowledge as the 
average student does in a four year course. At twenty years of age, 
Wright was admitted to the bar. He then removed to Rockville and 
opened a law office. He soon became widely known and at the age of 
twenty-three, was elected a member of the State Legislature. Thence- 
forth he was always actively engaged in politics and served several 
terms in the State Senate, and also a term as Representative in the United 
States Congress. He was an excellent campaigner, being ready of wit, 
and a forceful speaker. While he laid no claim to eloquence, what he 
said was always to the point, and most important of all, he always had 
something to say. He was elected Governor of Indiana, in 1849, defeat- 
ing John A. Matson. He was re-elected to the office in 1852, his opponent 
this time being Nicholas McCarty. During Governor Wright's admin- 
istration, the State passed thru many important events. It was a 
formative period, and Wright was always active in its development. He 
was instrumental in forming the State Agricultural Society, and tho 
not himself a farmer, he was made its first President. During the second 
Constitutional Convention, Governor Wright took an active part. His 
term as Governor expiring in 1857, he was appointed United States 
minister to Prussia, which office he filled for four years, and in 1862 
he was appointed by Governor Morton to the United States Senate to 
fill a vacancy. He served as Commissioner to the Hamburg Exposition 
in 1863, under appointment by President Lincoln, and in 1865, he was 
again sent to Prussia as United States minister. He filled this office 
until his death, which occurred at Berlin, May 11, 1867. 



(56) 




,l()SM'i( A.^'lMMIT 

Governor of Indiana 1849 -1057 



A5HBEL P. WILLARD 



ASHBEL PARSONS WILLARD, the eleventh Governor of 
Indiana, was born in Oneida County, New York, October 31, 
1820. He was one of the youngest, as well as the most brilliant, 
men that ever occupied the office of Governor of Indiana. He graduated 
at an early age from Hamilton College and early began the practice of 
law. He at first settled at Marshall, Michigan, where he remained only 
a short time. Thence he went to Texas, making the entire trip on horse 
back. On his return, he stopped at Carrollton, Kentucky, and taught 
school there for a term. He later took charge of a school near Louisville. 
Thruout this period of his life, he was a close student, reading widely, 
and using all his spare time in improving his mind. The time thus 
spent was soon to repay him tenfold. About this time occurred the 
contest between Henry Clay and James K. Polk for the Presidency of 
the United States. It was an exciting one*, and party spirit ran high, 
especially in Kentucky, Clay's home. Young Willard was an ardent 
Democrat. He had a natural love for politics, and readily embraced 
an opportunity to stump for Polk. During one of his political speeches 
at New Albany, Indiana, he created so favorable an impression that a 
committee of influential citizens invited him to remove to that city. 
Willard thought the opening a good one, and henceforth made New 
Albany his home. He took an active interest in civic matters and was 
elected to the Common Council. The following year, he was elected to 
the State Legislature, and from that time until he died, he occupied a 
conspicuous place in public life. His career in the State Legislature 
was one that quickly won him leadership. His alertness of mind, readi- 
ness of repartee, and charming manners won the love and admiration of 
his fellow members, and even those who were of the opposite party could 
not but admire his brilliant qualities. It is not surprising that at the 
next Democratic State Convention, in 1852, his name was popularly 
received for the nomination of Lieutenant-Governor. He received the 
nomination and was elected. As presiding officer of the Senate, he made 
an enviable record. In 1856, he was nominated for Governor, and at 
the election, defeated Oliver P. Morton. Both candidates were of the 
first mental caliber, and we may well believe that the contest was a hot 
one. Governor Willard filled the office with honor to himself and to 
the State, but in 1860, his health rapidly failed, and he died on October 
4th of that year, being the first Governor of Indiana who died while 
occupying that office. 



(60) 




A^IIIJKI. P, ^'(U.AKh 

Governor of Indiana IB57IBB0 



ABRAM A. HAMMOND 



ABRAM ADAMS HAMMOND, the twelfth Governor of Indiana, 
L was born at Brattleboro, Vermont, March 21, 1814. At the early 
age of six years, he came to Brookville, Indiana, where he passed 
his youth and early manhood. After getting a good education, he entered 
the law office of John Ryman, and was soon admitted to the bar. In 
1835, he removed to Greenfield, Indiana, and began the practice of law. 
Not being satisfied with the prospect of advancement at his profession at 
Greenfield, after five years' residence at the place, he removed to Co- 
lumbus, Indiana, where he formed a partnership with John Bradley. 
He was successful at the start, and was soon elected to the office of 
Prosecuting Attorney of his Circuit. In 1846, Hammond and Bradley 
removed to Indianapolis, but one year later, they removed to Cincinnati. 
Neither was satisfied with the new location, and both soon returned to 
Indianapolis. Hammond immediately plunged into politics and was 
chosen the first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Marion County. 
He seems, however, to have been possessed of a spirit of restlessness, 
for it was not long until he departed for San Francisco, where he formed 
a law partnership with Rufus A. Lockwood. The following year, he 
again returned to Indiana, and in 1855, settled at Terre Haute. While 
Abram Hammond was neither a brilliant scholar, nor possessed of great 
oratorical powers, he was a good lawyer. His mind was clear and logical, 
and he was a very close observer. His ability was far above the average, 
and notwithstanding his many changes of location, he was eminently 
successful at each of them. Within one year after he had settled at 
Terre Haute, he had reached such prominence that he was nominated 
and elected to the office of Lieutenant-Governor, on the same ticket with 
Governor Willard. Upon the death of the latter, in 1860, Hammond 
succeeded to the Governor's office, and on Friday, January 11, 1861, he 
delivered his first and only message to the Legislature. His administra- 
tion of the office was able, and he was instrumental in the passage of 
many needed laws, made necessary by those abnormal and troublous 
times. Governor Hammond's term expired January 14, 1861, and he 
then returned to the practice of his profession, which, however, was much 
interrupted by ill health. He suffered acutely from rheumatism and 
became so badly crippled that he was compelled to walk on crutches. 
He died at Denver, Colorado, August 27, 1874. 



(64) 




Al'.KWM A.II.VI.MUM> 

Governor of Indiana IBBO 



HENRY 5. LANE 



HENRY SMITH LANE, the thirteenth Governor of Indiana, was 
born in Montgomery County* Kentucky, February 11, 1811. He 
enjoyed the advantages of a good education, and when twenty- 
one years old, was admitted to the Kentucky bar. Three years later, 
he removed to Crawfordsville, Ind., where he soon gained a reputation 
as a lawyer, and was particularly successful in criminal cases. Be became 
prominent in politics, and in 1837 was elected to the State Legislature. 
Three years later, he became a candidate for a seat in Congress, to fill 
the vacancy caused by the resignation of General Howard. Lane's oppo- 
nent was Edward A. Hannegan. After a spirited race, Lane was elected. 
The following year he was re-elected to the office, this time defeating 
John Bryce. In 1844, during the candidacy of Henry Clay for the 
Presidency of the United States, Lane gave his whole time and energies 
in Clay's behalf. None mourned Clay's defeat more than he. When 
the Mexican War broke out in 1846, Lane earnestly engaged in the work 
of raising troops. He made speeches to the people, and by his eloquence 
raised the war spirit of his hearers to the highest pitch. A company of 
volunteers was organized, and Lane was chosen Major of a regiment. 
He was soon promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, and served until his regi- 
ment was mustered out of service. In 1849, Colonel Lane was again a 
candidate for Congress, but was defeated by Joseph E. McDonald, cer- 
tainly a worthy opponent. Lane had always been a Whig, and when the 
Republican party was formed, he readily assumed leadership in his 
State. By this time he had obtained a national reputation. He was 
chosen President of the National Convention of the Republican party, 
held in 1856. In public speaking Lane possessed rare accomplishment, 
and his addresses at the Convention aroused the utmost enthusiasm 
among the delegates. Fremont and Dayton were nominated for President 
and Vice-president, "and Lane immediately took the platform in their 
support. In 1859, Colonel Lane was elected by the Indiana Legislature 
to the United States Senate. However, his seat was contested and the 
Senate decided against him. In 1860, he was nominated for Governor, 
and after a spirited contest, was elected, defeating Thomas A. Hendricks. 
Governor Lane's occupancy of the Governor's chair was very brief, for 
just two days after delivering his message to the Legislature, he was 
elected to the United States Senate. He resigned the governorship and 
served in the Senate with credit to himself and his constituents. When 
his term expired, he returned to Crawfordsville, where he died Tune 
18, 1881. 



(68) 




Ei:rcriKY§, I.a^'k 

Governor of Inoiana IB 61 



OLIVER P. MORTON 



OLIVER PERRY MORTON, the fourteenth Governor of Indiana, 
was born at Salisbury, Wayne County, Indiana, August 4, 1823, 
and was the first Governor to be born within the boundaries of 
the State. His family was of English origin, and the original name was 
Throckmorton. However, Morton's father discarded "Throck" and 
thenceforth the name was just plain "Morton." Young Morton attended 
Professor Hoshour's Academy at Centerville, but the poverty of his 
family compelled him to go to work at an early age. He learned the 
hatter's trade with an older brother, which business he followed for four 
years. His ambition being then aroused, he began to study law, both 
at Miami University and in the office of Judge Newman. Morton had 
a keen mind, and he quickly rose to prominence in the legal profession. 
In 1852, he was elected Circuit Judge, but not liking the duties of the 
position, he soon returned to his practice. Morton had always been a 
Democrat. As the County was strongly Whig, he had little chance of 
securing elective office. The repeal of the Missouri Compromise created 
dissension in the Democratic party, and Judge Morton drew away from 
it and joined the People's party, which in 1856 was merged with the 
Republican party. Morton was a delegate to the Pittsburgh Convention 
that year and took an active part therein. During that same year he was 
unanimously nominated for Governor of Indiana, but was defeated by 
Ashbel P. Willard. The campaign between Morton and Willard was 
one of the most spectacular that was ever held within the State. Both 
were brilliant men, and both were forceful speakers, Willard being the 
more eloquent, while Morton's manner was the more convincing. Tho 
defeated, Morton's popularity with his party was very great, and he 
was recognized as one of the strong men of the State. In 1860, he was 
elected Lieutenant-Governor of Indiana on the ticket with Henry S. 
Lane. Upon the resignation- of Governor Lane to accept the office of 
United States Senator, Oliver P. Morton became Governor. The period 
during which Governor Morton held this office was one of great stress 
and excitement, occasioned by the war of the Rebellion. He early realized 
the seriousness of the situation, and resolved to combat it with firmness. 
When President Lincoln, three days after the attack on Fort Sumter, 
called for 75,000 men to put down the rebellion, Governor Morton imme- 
diately telegraphed him as follows: "On behalf of the State of Indiana, 
I tender you for the defense of the nation, and to uphold the authority 
of the Government, ten thousand men." Governor Morton's conduct 
thruout the war was patriotic to the last degree, and at its conclusion, 
he was recognized as one of the greatest war Governors in the Union. 
He resigned his office as Governor to become United States Senator, 
which place he occupied until his death, November 1, 1877. 



(72) 




Governor of Indiana IB6HBE7 



CONRAD BAKER 



CONRAD BAKER, the fifteenth Governor of Indiana, was born in 
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1817. He was the 
son of a farmer and underwent the usual hardships of the country 
boy in pioneer days in his efforts to get an education. His early schooling 
was obtained at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, attending school during 
the brief winter term and working the rest of the time on his father's farm. 
At the age of fifteen he was admitted to a college in Gettysburg. There 
he graduated with honor, and immediately took up the study of law, 
being admitted to the bar at Gettysburg, in 1839. After practicing suc- 
cessfully for two years, he became possessed of a desire to go West, and 
settled at Evansville, Indiana. Here he remained for five years, and 
served one term in the State Legislature. He then removed to Boonville, 
where he continued to take an active interest in public affairs. In 1852, 
he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court of Warrick County, and four 
years later was nominated Lieutenant-Governor of Indiana, the nomin- 
ation being made without his knowledge, and without his being a candi- 
date for the office. He accepted the nomination, but was defeated at 
the election. When war was declared in 1861, he was commissioned 
Colonel of the First Indiana Cavalry and served with distinction under 
General Fremont and others. In 1865, he was appointed to fill a vacancy 
in the office of Lieutenant-Governor with Governor Oliver P. Morton. 
When the latter resigned to assume the office of United States Senator, 
Colonel Baker became Acting-Governor. At the end of the term, he was 
himself elected Governor, and during his administration of the office, 
that is during the re-construction period following the war, he influenced 
much important legislation. Governor Baker was always regarded as 
a man of the highest character. He possessed qualities of mind far above 
the average. Whether as a lawyer, a citizen, or a friend, the esteem in 
which he was held by all who knew him was remarkable, especially as 
he was a man of retiring disposition, with quiet manners, and with no 
particular accomplishment as a talker, or as a public speaker. Most of 
his success was won by his shrewd knowledge of human nature and the 
solid, logical bent of his mind — "just plain, hard common sense" he 
would have called it. Upon the expiration of his term as Governor, he 
returned to the practice of law in Indianapolis, where he died April 
28, 1885. 



(76) 




).v|(AI) hi\ K! 

Governdr of Indiana IBB7 IB73 



THOMAS A. HENDRICKS 



THOMAS ANDREWS HENDRICKS, the sixteenth Governor of 
Indiana, was born on a farm in Muskingum County, Ohio, Sep- 
tember 17, 1819. When he was six months old his parents removed 
to Madison, Indiana, and three years later settled in Shelby County, 
Indiana. Hendricks's early education was obtained in the public school 
at Shelbyville, and he later attended Hanover College. He studied law 
in the office of Judge Major, of Shelbyville, and in the office of his 
uncle, Judge Thomson, an eminent jurist of Chambersburg, Pennsyl- 
vania. He returned to Shelbyville, where he soon built up a fine law 
practice. Interesting himself in politics, he was elected to the State 
Legislature in 1848, and two years later was chosen Senatorial Delegate 
to the Constitutional Convention. In 1851 he was elected to Congress, 
and re-elected in 1852. In 1855 President Pierce appointed him Com- 
missioner of the General Land office, which office he held four years. 
In 1860 he was nominated for Governor, but was defeated by Henry S. 
Lane. He then removed to Indianapolis and in 1862 was elected to 
the United States Senate. His term of six years covered the exciting 
period of the war and the reconstruction years following. Hendricks 
supported appropriations to equip and pay the soldiers and favored the 
payment of bounties to induce enlistment, but opposed conscription acts 
and all measures to recruit the army by drafts. In 1868 he was a candi- 
date for Governor, but was defeated by Conrad Baker. He resumed the 
practice of law in Indianapolis in partnership with his cousin, Major 
A. W. Hendricks, and Oscar B. Hord. Thomas A. Hendricks was very 
successful as a trial lawyer, and had the faculty of gathering instantly 
the threads of a tangled case and carrying it to a successful end. His 
grasp of legal points amounted almost to intuition, and his capacity to 
arrange facts systematically was unsurpassed. His manner before a jury 
was unaffected, earnest, persuasive, and when he finished their view of 
the case was usually in agreement with his own. In 1872 Hendricks was 
again nominated for Governor, and was elected in a very close contest, all 
other candidates on his ticket being defeated, except one. His conduct 
of the office was able and dignified and reflected great credit on the State. 
In IS 76 his name was presented for the Presidency of the United States, 
but the influence of Tilden was too strong, and he was prevailed upon to 
accept second place on the ticket. Hendricks actively canvassed in sev- 
eral states. The contest was not ended by the election, but was decided 
by an electoral commission, in favor of President Hayes. Governor Hen- 
dricks now formed a law partnership with former Governor Baker. In 
1884 Governor Hendricks was nominated and elected Vice-President of 
the United States on the ticket with Grover Cleveland. He died in Indi- 
anapolis November 25, 1885. 



(80) 




Tiiu.m.v^ A.Hk>'I)I;ici\.^ 

Governor of Indiana IB73-IB77 



JAMES D. WILLIAMS 



JAMES DOUGLAS WILLIAMS, the seventeenth Governor of Indi- 
ana, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 16, 1808. His 
family removed to Knox County, Indiana, in 1818, and settled near 
Vincennes. Here he remained until January, 1877, when he removed to 
Indianapolis to take the Governor's chair. When Governor Williams 
first came to Indiana, the State was yet new and was sparsely populated. 
He underwent all the struggles and hardships of the pioneer and experi- 
enced the usual difficulties of a poor farmer's boy in getting an education. 
The little schooling he received was obtained in the log school house 
during short periods of his release from his labors on his father's farm. 
But if he failed to acquire much book learning, he was more successful 
in gaining an education of the ways of the world. While not learned or 
widely read, he was well grounded in basic principles and had a good 
general knowledge of current events. He was known for his industry and 
enterprise and was held in the highest esteem by his associates. When 
he reached the age of twenty, his father died, and upon him devolved the 
care of the farm and the raising of his five younger brothers and sisters. 
Governor Williams entered public life in 1839 as Justice of the Peace. 
His knowledge of law was limited, but his decisions always showed rare 
good sense and undoubted fairness. In 1843 he resigned the office to 
take a seat in the State Legislature. There he served almost continuously 
until 1874, during which time he influenced the passage of many good 
and wise laws and was a member of many important committees. He 
was a candidate for United States Senator in 1872, but was defeated by 
Governor Morton. In 1874 he was elected to Congress. One morning 
while serving as congressman he received a telegram informing him that 
he had been nominated for Governor of Indiana. He was greatly sur- 
prised, for he had not been a candidate for the office. The ensuing cam- 
paign was a memorable one. His opponent was Benjamin Harrison. 
Governor Williams always dressed plainly, and in the heat of the cam- 
paign it was sought to ridicule him by calling him "Blue Jeans." Instead 
of creating disrespect for him, the name met the popular fancy and "Blue 
Jeans" clubs were formed thruout the State. To the surprise of almost 
every one, Williams was elected to the office, which he administered with 
excellent executive ability. He died before his term expired, on Novem- 
ber 20, 1880. 



(84) 




\2EB3 D. u '[ I.U.V 

Gdvebndr ofIndiana IB77 IBB I 



ALBERT G. PORTER 



ALBERT GALLATIN PORTER, the eighteenth Governor of In- 
diana, was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, April 20, 1824. He 
was the second Indiana Governor to be born within the confines 
of the State. His early education was obtained in the public schools at 
Lawrenceburg, Indiana. His family early moved to Kentucky and Albert 
and a younger brother were entrusted with the running of a ferry boat 
across the Ohio river, nearly opposite Lawrenceburg. From his earnings 
he saved enough money to enter Hanover College. His slender means 
were soon exhausted and he was forced to return home, but he resolved 
to try again. Fortunately at this period an uncle came to his assistance 
and provided means to finish his course. He entered Asbury (now 
DePauw) University at Greencastle, where he graduated in 1843. He 
returned to Lawrenceburg and studied law with Philip Spooner, then 
removed to Indianapolis and opened a law office. He was successful 
from the start and soon his fine legal knowledge and affable manners 
won him a large practice. He was City Attorney from 1851 to 1853, 
when, a vacancy occurring in the office of Reporter of the Supreme Court, 
Governor Wright appointed him to the office. The following year he 
was elected to the same position. However, before the close of his term, 
the pro-slavery character and tendency of the Democratic party became so 
apparent to him that he renounced allegiance to it and joined the Repub- 
licans in their first national campaign, supporting General Fremont for 
the Presidency. In 1850 Porter was nominated by the Republican Con- 
vention of the Sixth district as its candidate for Congress, to which office 
he was elected by a large majority. He was again elected to the office in 
1860 and 1862. He supported vigorously all measures for the prosecu- 
tion of the war. During his whole term he was an active member of the 
Judiciary Committee and drafted many of its reports. Upon the com- 
pletion of his term he declined re-election, as he desired to resume the 
practice of law and provide a competence for his family, for which the 
salary of a congressman was then utterly inadequate. For fourteen years 
following he applied himself closely to his profession, gaining a high 
reputation as a lawyer and amassing a comfortable fortune. He was 
especially successful as a jury lawyer where important rights were in- 
volved. He was a popular orator and his public speeches were models 
of effective and convincing argument. In 1877 he was appointed by 
President Hayes to be the first Comptroller of the Treasury. He resigned 
the office in 1880 to accept the nomination for Governor of Indiana. He 
was elected, his popularity being attested by his getting 2,000 votes more 
than any other candidate on the ticket. Governor Porter's messages and 
papers evidence a ripe judgment, and his conduct of the office was wise 
and beneficial to the State. In 1889 Governor Porter was appointed by 
President Harrison Minister to Italy, and for three years he resided in 
Rome. He died in Indianapolis May 3, 1897. 



(88) 




Au;Kin' I'. Porter 

Governor of Indiana IBBI IBB5 



ISAAC P. GRAY 



ISAAC PUSEY GRAY, the nineteenth Governor of Indiana, was born 
near Downington, Chester County, Pennsylvania, October 18, 1828. 
When eight years old, his family moved to Ohio and settled at New 
Madison. Here Isaac grew to manhood and became proprietor of a dry 
goods store. In 1855 he removed to Union City, Indiana, where he soon 
became one of its leading citizens. He at first embarked in the dry goods 
business, but later went into banking. He studied law in his spare time 
and was admitted to the bar. After several years of successful practice and 
upon the breaking out of the war, he enlisted and became Captain of the 
Fourth Indiana Cavalry, but was forced to resign on account of ill health. 
He also raised and organized the 147th regiment of Indiana Yolunteers 
and was Colonel of the 105th Indiana regiment (minute men). At the 
close of the war he returned to Union City and established the Citizens 
Bank. In 1868 he was elected State Senator from Randolph County on 
the Republican ticket. Becoming dissatisfied with the administration of 
President Grant, he joined the Greeley Liberal Movement in 1872, and 
from that time acted with the Democrats. He was in 1876 nominated 
by acclamation for Lieutenant-Governor of Indiana and was elected. In 
1880 he was a candidate for the nomination for Governor, but lost it by 
four votes. He was Lieutenant-Governor under Governor Williams. 
When the latter died in November, 1880, Gray became Governor. He 
was nominated and elected to the same position in 1884 and served the 
full term. Governor Gray was highly respected and was the recognized 
leader of his party in Indiana. Four years after completing his term as 
Governor, he was appointed by President Cleveland Minister to Mexico. 
He returned to Indianapolis on leave of absence in 1895 to attend the 
farewell reception given by Governor Matthews. On the journey back to 
Mexico he was stricken with paralysis and died soon after his arrival at 
the City of Mexico. The date of his death was February 14, 1895. 



(92) 




Isaac R lii'.AY 

Governor ofInoiana IBB5 IBB9 



ALVIN P. HOVET 



ALVIN PETERSON HOVEY, the twentieth Governor of Indiana, 
was born in Mount Vernon, Indiana, September 6, 1821. There 
he spent his early life and suffered much hardship and deprivation. 
He attended the common schools in Mount Vernon and began life as a 
brickmason. By studying law after his day's work he qualified himself 
for admittance to the bar in 1843. He gave to his profession the same 
close application and habits of hard work to which he had accustomed 
himself at his trade, and his rise was very rapid, in politics, as well as at 
the bar. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1850 and 
in the same year was elected Circuit Judge of Southern Indiana. In 1856 
and 1858 he served as United States District Attorney for the State. He 
had a brilliant record as a soldier during the war, being appointed Colonel 
of the Twenty-fourth Indiana volunteers in July 1861 ; in 1862 was pro- 
moted to Brigadier General of volunteers, and in 1864 was for meritorious 
and distinguished services brevetted Major-General of volunteers. He 
was in command of the Eastern district of Arkansas in 1863, and of the 
district of Indiana in 1864-65. General Grant in his official report 
awarded to General Hovey the honor of winning the key battle of the 
Vicksburg campaign, that of Champion's Hill, conceded by military 
critics, in view of its vast consequences, to be one of the five decisive 
battles of the Civil War, and second only in importance to the battle of 
Gettysburg. General Hovey resigned his commission in October, 1865, 
and was appointed Minister to Peru, which office he held for five years. 
He then returned to Indiana and resumed the practice of law. In 1886 
he was elected to Congress from the Evansville district, which previously 
had been strongly Democratic. In Congress he attracted attention by the 
earnestness with which he advocated more liberal pensions for widows, 
and he was always a stanch supporter of measures for the benefit of ex- 
Union soldiers. Largely to this fact was due his nomination for Governor 
in 1888. The soldiers of the State gave him their solid support and were 
a very important factor in his subsequent election to the office. Governor 
Hovey was a fine Latin scholar and an accomplished writer of both prose 
and verse. He was strongly partisan, but was never vindictive or abusive. 
In person he was dignified and imposing, in character he was self reliant 
and determined. He was always popular with the people, and without 
doubt would have won higher political honors had he lived longer. Gov- 
ernor Hovey was taken ill in Indianapolis and died November 3, 1891, 
before the expiration of his term of office. 



(96) 




Governor of Indiana IBB9IB9I 



IRA J. CHASE 



IRA JOY CHASE, the twenty-first Governor of Indiana, was born in 
Rockport, New York, December 7, 1834. Most of his boyhood was 
spent in Orleans County, New York, where he attended the public 
schools. He later removed to Ohio, and there he attended the Milan 
Seminary and the Medina Academy. At the age of twenty he accompa- 
nied his father on a westward trip, driving a team thru Indiana and 
Michigan and landing in Chicago, which was then only a village. He 
worked on a farm and engaged in trading. In 1857 he joined the Chris- 
tian Church and became an enthusiastic worker. At the commencement 
of the war he was the first man to enlist from Barrington, Illinois. He 
assisted in raising a company, to which he was elected First Lieutenant. 
Enlistments were so numerous that the Government could not accept all, 
and the company was disbanded, or rather absorbed into Company C, 
Nineteenth Illinois Volunteers, in which Chase was made Sergeant. This 
regiment saw hard and continuous service thruout the war, serving in 
Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee, during the first year. Ill health 
caused Chase to be discharged in 1863. He then prepared himself for 
the ministry, and in 1867 became pastor of the Christian Church at Mish- 
awaka, Indiana. Later he had charges at Laporte, Wabash and Danville; 
also at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and at Peoria, Illinois. He had a 
remarkable power to hold the interest of his audiences. He was earnest, 
generous, sympathetic, and was greatly loved by all who knew him. He 
was very prominent in G. A. R. circles, was twice Department Chaplain, 
and once Department Commander. In 1886 he was nominated by the 
Fifth district to a seat in Congress, and nearly defeated Colonel C. C. 
Matson, who was elected to his fourth term. Chase was prominently 
mentioned for the nomination for Governor in 1888, and got a substantial 
vote, but was defeated by Alvin P. Hovey. Chase was then nominated 
by acclamation for Lieutenant-Governor, to which office he was elected, 
and served two terms as presiding officer of the Senate. On the death of 
Governor Hovey he served as Acting Governor from November 24, 1891, 
to January 8, 1893. At the next convention he was nominated to succeed 
himself, but was defeated at the polls by Claude Matthews. After retiring 
from office Governor Chase again took up his ministry work, which he 
continued until the close of his life. He died at Lubec, Maine, May 11, 
1895. 



(100) 




Governor of Indiana IB9IIB93 



CLAUDE MATTHEWS 



CLAUDE MATTHEWS, the twenty-second Governor of Indiana, 
was born in Bethel, Bath County, Kentucky, December 14, 1845. 
His father was a prosperous farmer. Until he was sixteen years 
of age Claude attended the village school. Naturally the boy became 
familiar with farming and stock raising and was of great help to his 
father. When John Morgan raided Kentucky the elder Matthews was 
fearful of losing his herds, and despatched Claude with a drove of 500 
mules to Ross County, Ohio. This trip proved a momentous one for the 
boy, for before he returned he met Martha A. Whitcomb, the fourteen- 
year-old daughter of Governor Whitcomb, of Indiana. Later, when 
Claude was attending Center College, at Danville, Kentucky, it happened 
that Miss Whitcomb was a student at a girls' school in the same town. 
The young people found many opportunities to be together, and the 
youthful attachment ripened into love. Claude graduated from college 
in 1867 and the year following married Martha Whitcomb and settled 
on a farm in Vermillion County, Indiana. Matthews soon established a 
reputation as a stock breeder and in a few years was recognized as an 
authority on the subject. He led in forming the Short Horn Breeders' 
Association of Indiana, and was the originator of the American Short 
Horn Breeders' Association of the United States and Canada. He began 
to take part in politics. In 1876 he was elected a Representative to the 
Indiana Legislature, where he exerted his influence in the interest of the 
farmers. His popularity increased steadily and he was nominated for 
State Senator, but was defeated at the election. In 1890 he was nomi- 
nated and elected to the office of Secretary of State, in which he acquitted 
himself so creditably that he came out for Governor in 1892. He was 
elected to this office by a majority exceeding that of any other candidate 
on the ticket. In his administration of the office he was wise and re- 
sourceful. He was conciliatory between factions, yet when occasion de- 
manded he did not hesitate to use the strong hand. During the great 
strike of the coal miners, when all other means of quelling disturbances 
failed, he promptly put them down by calling out the State Militia. The 
same means were used a short time later to control the lawless acts of the 
railway strikers. Yet the need was so manifest, and the Governor's 
motives so praiseworthy, that after their passions had subsided the strikers 
themselves conceded that the course adopted was fully justified by the 
circumstances. Governor Matthews was genial and lovable. He had 
friends without number. To know him was to like him. What wonder, 
then, that the whole State mourned when he was stricken with paralysis 
while addressing an old settlers' meeting, near Veedersburg, and died 
three days later, on August 25, 1898. 



(104) 




Governor of Indiana 1893 1897 



JAMES A. MOUNT 



JAMES ATWELL MOUNT, the twenty-third Governor of Indiana, 
was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, March 24, 1843. He 
was one of twelve children and spent his early boyhood in the usual 
round of hard work on the farm. His only education was obtained in 
the district schools, but it was supplemented with hard study and extensive 
reading out of school. He early learned habits of frugality and thrift. 
He was an ardent patriot and when nineteen years old enlisted in the 
Seventy-second Indiana Volunteers; which became part of the famous 
Wilder's Brigade. General Wilder himself has testified to his bravery 
at the battle of Chickamauga. At the close of the war, feeling the need 
of more education, he entered the Presbyterian Academy at Lebanon, 
Indiana. His limited means became exhausted after the first year, but 
during this period he applied himself so closely to his studies that he 
covered a two years' course. He then married and rented a small farm, 
where he began housekeeping in a very humble manner. For more than 
twenty years he applied himself closely to farming, with the result that 
he acquired a fine, fully equipped farm of more than five hundred acres, 
modern thruout, and a model to his neighbors. His great success as a far- 
mer led him to give his ideas in the form of lectures before farm institutes 
over the State, which won him wide popularity among the farmers. In 
1888 he was elected State Senator and served four years. In 1896 his name 
was brought before the State Convention as a candidate for Governor, 
to which there were twelve prominent aspirants, and he was chosen on the 
seventh ballot. His unquestioned integrity and unimpeachable character 
won him the election by a plurality larger than was ever before obtained 
in Indiana for either a presidential or gubernatorial candidate. In direct- 
ing the affairs of the State and in the expenditure of the public funds he 
paid the same strict attention to details that he had always practiced in 
his own business. It was largely thru his efforts that the benevolent and 
penal institutions were placed upon a non-partisan basis. Governor 
Mount was always a devoted Presbyterian and was active in Sunday 
school work. He was an effective speaker, being very concise in his state- 
ments and convincing in his arguments. The cares of office undermined 
his health and two weeks after the expiration of his term of office he died 
in Indianapolis, January 16, 1901. 



(108) 




Ja.mk-^ A,, Mo [':■ 

Bovernqr of Indiana IB97-I90I 



WINFIELD T. DURBIN 



W INFIELD TAYLOR DURBIN, the twenty-fourth Governor of 
Indiana, was born at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, May 4, 1847. His 
boyhood and early manhood were passed in New Philadelphia, 
Indiana, where he attended the common schools. In the summer of 1862 
he enlisted in Company B, Sixteenth Indiana Volunteers Infantry, but 
owing to an injury to his left hand and arm he did not join the regiment 
at Camp Morton until October of the same year. He was refused muster 
on account of his injury, but insisted on accompanying the regiment to 
the front. He participated in the investment of Vicksburg, also in the 
battle of Arkansas Pass, but was soon compelled to return home on account 
of illness. The following spring he assisted in organizing Company K, 
139th Indiana Volunteers Infantry. He refused a commission, as he pre- 
ferred to serve in the ranks. This regiment was mustered out in 1864. 
Returning to New Philadelphia, Durbin taught school and worked with 
his father at the tanner's trade. In Mr. Durbin's own pointed phraseology, 
he "tanned salt hides in the summer and fresh hides in the winter." In 
October, 1869, he went to Indianapolis and worked for a wholesale dry 
goods firm, and very soon rose to a responsible position. He removed to 
Anderson in 1879 and assisted in organizing the Citizens Bank. He 
embarked in other enterprises, in all of which he was eminently successful. 
He had always taken an active interest in politics and for six years was 
chairman of the Republican State Executive Committee. He was Presi- 
dential elector and delegate to the Republican National Convention in 
1892, and also in 1896. On the breaking out of the Spanish-American 
War he was appointed by Governor Mount paymaster of the Indiana 
National Guard, with the rank of Colonel, and on June 18th of the same 
year was appointed Colonel of the 161st Indiana Volunteers Infantry, 
which regiment went into camp at Jacksonville, Florida, but did not take 
an active part in the war. Mr. Durbin was elected to the Governor's office 
in 1901 and served his full term of four years, afterwards returning to 
Anderson, where he now resides. 



(112) 




Wjzvma X Ditibibo 

Governor of Indiana I9DII9D5 



J. FRANK HANLY 



JAMES FRANKLIN HANLY, the twenty-fifth Governor of Indiana, 
was born near St. Joseph, Champaign County, Illinois, April 4, 1863. 
Young Hanly did not get much early education. His opportunities 
were few, for he went to work at a very early age. He was employed as a 
common laborer on various farms in his home county, and with his meager 
earnings he was able to contribute to the support of his parents. In 1879 
he walked to Williamsport, Indiana, and was intermittently employed at 
sawing wood, between whiles attending school. By the strictest economy 
he managed to save up enough money to take a short course at the Eastern 
Illinois Normal School, at Danville. Thereafter for a number of years 
he taught school in the winter and worked at other employment in the 
summer. In 1888, while digging tile ditches, it was suggested to him by 
Judge Rabb of Williamsport that he take part in a local campaign and 
fill speaking appointments in Warren and adjoining counties. His 
speeches were a great success, and his friends wisely foretold a bright 
future for him. In 1889 he was admitted to the Warren County bar and 
began to practice law at Williamsport. A year later he was elected to the 
State Senate, where he at once took front rank as a forceful debater. In 
1894 he was elected to Congress from the Ninth district. He served only 
one term in Congress, but made a good record and formed friendships 
that proved of incalculable value to him in his later career. He removed 
to Lafayette in 1896 and formed a law partnership with Senator Will R. 
Wood. Mr. Hanly continued to take an active part in public affairs, and 
was a formidable candidate for United States Senator, but was defeated 
by Senator Beveridge by only a few votes. In 1904 he was nominated for 
Governor of the State. After one of the greatest campaigns ever waged 
by a candidate for office, he was elected by the unprecedented majority of 
nearly 85,000 votes, the largest ever given to a gubernatorial candidate 
of either party in Indiana. Governor Hanly has always been a stanch 
supporter of prohibition, and in 1916 was the Prohibition candidate for 
President of the United States. 



(116) 




,I,Im;a^'k IL\>'i,y 

Governor of Indiana 1905-1909 



THOMAS R. MARSHALL 



THOMAS RILEY MARSHALL, the twenty-sixth Governor of Indi- 
ana, was born in North Manchester, Indiana, March 14, 1854. His 
father was a physician, a direct descendant of Chief Justice John 
Marshall, the Revolutionary patriot and jurist. On his mother's side he 
can claim relationship with John Carroll, of Carrollton, signer of the 
Declaration of Independence. Thomas Marshall's early education was 
obtained at the public schools of his native town. He later entered 
Wabash College and graduated in 1873, at the age of nineteen. At col- 
lege he was painstaking and thorough and a leader in the debates in his 
college literary society. He began the practice of law in Columbia City 
and soon won recognition as a thoroughly competent lawyer. In his 
county few important cases were tried but that he was employed on one 
side or the other. He gained a reputation thruout the State and was 
elected Governor of Indiana in 1909, by a plurality of 8,000 votes, a 
result that was due largely to his striking personality. His record in 
office was such as to give him national prominence, and in 1912 he was 
elected Vice-President of the United States, an office which he now holds. 
He was renominated for the same office in 1916. 



(120) 




Tmu.ma.s IL.Mak.'shai.i, 

Governor of Indiana 1909-1913 



SAMUEL M. RALSTON 



SAMUEL MOFFETT RALSTOX, the twenty-seventh Governor of 
Indiana, was born on a farm near New Cumberland, Ohio, Decem- 
ber 1, 1857. With his parents he removed to Indiana in 1865 and 
settled in Owen County. He had no opportunity in his youth to go to 
school, but in early manhood he realized that if he was to make his way 
in the world and achieve the position in life that his ambitions sought, 
he must have an education. He was largely self-taught, applying himself 
to his purpose with such earnestness that he was soon able to obtain a 
license as a teacher. For seven years he taught school in the winter 
months and attended summer school during vacation. He later entered 
the Northern Indiana School, at Valparaiso, and also attended the Cen- 
tral Indiana Normal School, at Danville, graduating from the latter in 
the scientific course in 1884. He then studied law in the office of Robin- 
son & Fowler, at Spencer, and was admitted to the bar January 1, 1886. 
He began to practice law at Lebanon, where he quickly established him- 
self. As a cross-examiner of witnesses he has few equals, and he is espe- 
cially strong in cases involving the rules of equity, or the constitutionality 
of statutes. He is vigorous in prosecution of cases and is regarded by 
many as one of the foremost defensive criminal lawyers of the State. He 
was President of the Lebanon School Board for a number of years and 
was presidential elector in 1892. Other than this he never held public 
office until he was nominated and elected Governor of Indiana in 1913, 
of which office he is the present incumbent. 



(124) 




^.VMI'K I, .M. \{,\\,* TO 

Governor ofInoiana 19 13 - 19 1 7 



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Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: 



AUG 88 
1BKKEEPER 



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PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES. L P. 
1 1 1 Thomson Pari* Dnve 
Cranberry Township, PA 1i 
(724)779-2111 



